Most people think about reflecting on their past year as they prepare to enter a new year. They look at what they did or accomplished—things they can feel good about. They also look at what didn’t go as planned and try to see what they could have done better, or at least differently. I like to take this same approach, only I do it whenever I feel the need to change, shift or reevaluate something going on in my life. You don’t have to wait for a new year to start a new year. The trick to making memorable moments is by starting. Choosing. Taking Action. Evaluating. Reevaluating. Make a move. Just start. Go forward.
I had a dream of writing a column in a newspaper. It had been on my “list of things to do” for years (no judgment). Along the way I met Bracken—editor of this magazine—through various civic endeavors. We had talked about my desire to write a column, offering insights and tips on a broad range of things that mostly fell under not just “living” but “Living . . . Exceptionally Well.” Each time we saw each other he would ask if I was ready to begin. Most of the time my answer was “I’m getting closer.” He was always encouraging and felt the paper and audience could use a supportive column on the topics I’d shared.
“Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph: a beginning, a struggle, and a victory.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
After several years—I believe it was almost four years of conversations—I finally wrote my first two articles. I submitted them and so it began. Each month became more and more exciting as I thought of things that I felt could help others. Through many life experiences, constant learning and application of knowledge, listening to thousands of clients, family and friends, it was easy to see what people struggled with, what they needed and what they cared about the most. My aim has been to transform these things into thoughts that readers could relate to.
I also found out how difficult it could be to try to get my thoughts out on paper—sitting and staring at the computer praying for just one sentence to form from the countless thoughts I’d had running through my mind in the weeks leading up to the time it needed to be written. The desire to hopefully offer some bit of insight or encouragement to others is what prevailed.
“I hate writing, I love having written.” ― Dorothy Parker
I am so grateful for my relationship with the Murfreesboro Pulse. Bracken Mayo keeps his finger on the “pulse” and heartbeat of our community, weaving local entertainment, art, history, entrepreneur spirit, advertisements, culture, business, focused content and so much more within the publication. It is a true privilege to contribute.
Some of my favorite memorable moments are being recognized in public and asked about a particular column. I’m always surprised when someone takes the time to comment or chat about what they read. (Sometimes you just don’t know who reads your work, or if anybody reads it, or if it had an impact on them). So, a big thank you to those followers who let us writers know you’re out there.
I remember when someone tracked me down at The Spa to find out if I had or could get an extra issue from a few months prior that had an article in it that they wanted to share with someone. It had been a few months and they didn’t remember the title but they remembered the content. That was a great moment.
Another favorite was when someone wrote to me about the month I shared my experience of fasting (for 22 days) and the insights I’d gained from that experience, including how we look at our bodies, how we look at food, how we simply see ourselves overall. Another time, during a conversation with a friend, he referenced an article with a spiritual view and said how much he liked it. I said “How cool. I never know who really reads the magazine, let alone my article.” He said he reads the paper and my column every month. Great moment!
Some of my personal favorites are:
January 2017: Get Grounded – Being grounded can serve us in not settling, not being negatively impulsive, getting solid.
April 2020: Be the Light – Wherever you are, whatever you do: be the light that shines and guides.
September 2021: Spaces in Between – Experience the spaces in between your thoughts and every moment of your life. Ride the wave.
October 2023: Plug Your Leaks – We have leaks in areas of our lives that need plugged, repaired or replaced.
September 2024: A Puzzled Life – Like the puzzle, life is not about the final image, but more about putting it together and living it.
After eight-plus years of writing this column I have so many more favorites. My next goal is to put a book of 52 chosen pieces (one for each week of the year) together for easier access, reflection and sharing. More memorable moments. It might take some time to get there, but just keep moving forward and you will.
“It’s not what happens to people on the page; it’s about what happens to a reader in his heart and mind.” ― Gordon Lish
___
Photo, top, courtesy of Trinity Hathaway
